Streaky Bay: Community grieves two women swept out to sea

A small community continues to grieve two friends who have been identified as the fishers who were swept into the sea on Tuesday.

Flags have been flown at half mast in a small South Australian town to commemorate the lives of two local women who were swept out to sea while fishing.

Zenaida “Aida” Hunt, 65, was salmon fishing with her friend Beth Peters, 67, at Back Beach, 10km from the town of Streaky Bay, on Tuesday when she was knocked into the water by a large wave.

Ms Peters jumped in after her in an attempt to save her friend.

It’s understood her husband Carl raced down the beach for help after watching the tragedy unfold from the shore.

Zenaida Hunt and Beth Peters have been remembered by their close-knit community. Picture: Facebook

The women’s bodies were found in the water several hours later following an extensive search.

Members of the SES and a local surfer brought the pair back to shore.

Ms Hunt was an avid fisher and would often be spotted at the Streaky Bay jetty, but ongoing construction had rendered the spot out of use.

“It was just a bit of bad luck, she went down there and got taken by a wave and that is just it,” her husband Michael told Nine News.

He described his wife of 15 years as a “beautiful woman” and “a damn good cook” who worked at a clothes factory.

Ms Hunt 15 years ago, shortly after she was married. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The two met through one of Mr Hunt’s friends while he was in the Philippines.

Ms Hunt relocated to live with him at his Streaky Bay home – becoming a much-loved member of the local community.

Many remain “quiet and sombre” as the town commemorates the lives of Ms Hunt and Ms Peters.

“She was very quiet and unassuming but lovely, bubbly, always smiling, always said hello,” Streaky Bay Mayor Travis Barber said of Ms Hunt.

“It’s going to be a few weeks before we get our heads around this one.”

Originally published as Streaky Bay: Community grieves two women swept out to sea